Dubai CommerCity Wraps Up Successful WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum

Dubai, UAE: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), Dubai CommerCity (DCC), the region's first and leading free zone dedicated to digital commerce, successfully concluded the WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum. This joint venture between DIEZ and Wasl Properties brought together more than 5,000 visitors from 40 countries, marking a significant achievement for the event and highlighting Dubai’s role as a global hub for digital commerce.

Organised by WORLDEF, an international platform supporting cross-border e-commerce and digital commerce companies, the forum attracted representatives from leading organisations such as eBay, VTEX, Amazon Seller Society, DHL, Aramex, Zajel, Trendyol, Tradeling, Turkish Cargo, BiggBrands, and WorldFirst, among many others. Over two days, the event featured a series of panel discussions, case studies, and specialised workshops, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest trends and future opportunities in the digital commerce sector.

Driving Strategic Collaboration

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ and Chairman of Dubai CommerCity, spoke about the forum’s success and its role in supporting cross-border digital commerce. He said, “Dubai CommerCity’s hosting of the WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum reflects our commitment to driving global collaboration in the digital commerce sector. The forum has successfully connected leading global businesses, creating a platform for international partnerships that will support the growth and diversification of the region’s digital economy.”

He also emphasised that the forum aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to establish a robust, diversified economy driven by technology and innovation. The event served as a testament to the UAE’s broader ambition to position itself as a leader in the digital commerce space.

Exceptional Support

Omar Nart, CEO of WORLDEF, highlighted the outstanding success of the event, noting the remarkable participation from the entire cross-border digital commerce ecosystem in the region. “The forum’s success underscores the exceptional support from Dubai, particularly through Dubai CommerCity. This event represents a breakthrough for WORLDEF Dubai, cementing its role as a critical event for the digital commerce industry,” he said. The quality of discussions, insights shared, and the high calibre of exhibitors demonstrated the forum’s importance for the sector.

New Partnerships and Platforms

During the forum, Dubai CommerCity signed two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The first, with Aramex and QuikBot Technologies, aims to launch the trial run of QuikBot’s Autonomous Final-Mile Delivery (AFMD) Platform-as-a-service. This collaboration is set to revolutionise logistics by introducing cutting-edge technology to improve delivery efficiency. The second MoU, with Vinculum Group, focuses on integrating order and warehouse management systems with Logi-Flow, a blockchain-based logistics solution designed to streamline operations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and ensure compatibility with Dubai Customs’ blockchain platform.

Another major development was the unveiling of the InsightsIQ platform, developed by Dubai CommerCity in collaboration with Veu.ai. The platform leverages AI orchestration to provide real-time data analytics, significantly reducing the time businesses need to gather and analyse their data. Aimed at SMEs, the platform offers a subscription model, giving businesses access to data-driven insights that support their growth and sustainability in the ever-evolving digital commerce landscape.

Insightful Discussions

The forum also featured a wide range of insightful panel discussions exploring various aspects of digital commerce. Mitch Bittermann, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Dubai CommerCity, discussed the innovative approach the free zone has adopted in licensing and providing integrated services. He highlighted that Dubai CommerCity is a unique model in the digital commerce sector, offering tailored business solutions to support international companies looking to expand in the region.

In another session, Moasam Gadia, SVP of Noon Payments, discussed the transformative role of e-commerce payments and fintech innovations in shaping the future of digital commerce. He stressed the importance of adopting advanced payment solutions to enhance customer experiences and highlighted emerging trends in financial technology that will redefine the sector.

A session on the digitisation of customs operations featured Abdulrahman Shahin, Senior Vice President of Property and Supply Chain Management at Dubai CommerCity, who explained how the free zone is using innovative solutions to enhance supply chain operations and facilitate international trade. Farida Fadel, Director of Tariff and Origin at Dubai Customs, also contributed by discussing Dubai Customs’ efforts to leverage technologies such as blockchain to improve customs compliance and efficiency.

Another session focused on artificial intelligence and ethical trade, with Ali Haider, Head of Legal and Government Affairs for Microsoft UAE, leading a discussion on how AI is transforming commerce. The panel emphasised the importance of responsible AI adoption to foster trust and ensure transparency, particularly in protecting consumer privacy. It also highlighted the need for effective regulatory frameworks to govern AI applications in digital commerce.

A Startup Competition

Alongside the forum, a startup competition provided entrepreneurs with an exceptional opportunity to present their innovative solutions to a select group of investors and experts. The competition featured a variety of groundbreaking ideas aimed at advancing digital commerce, further solidifying Dubai’s position as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital economy.

Conclusion

The WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum was a resounding success, bringing together key players from the global digital commerce ecosystem and fostering valuable collaborations. The event reinforced Dubai’s position as a leader in digital transformation and innovation. With new partnerships, groundbreaking platforms, and a range of insightful discussions, the forum has set a new standard for future digital commerce events in the region and beyond.